A soaring evening … It was wheels up this past Friday evening as co-captains Michele and Mitchell Smith along with first lieutenant Lynn Castle orchestrated the Art Museum of Southeast Texas silver 25th anniversary gala “Come Fly With Us” honoring Beaumont-born artist Paul Manes. Guests dressed in either formal attire or flight attire mingled in the foyer as they quaffed cocktails and noshed on tiny bites and then soared into the gallery to take their seats in the beautifully appointed first class section (decorated by darlin’ design team JoellynJowers, Heather Petkovsek and Elizabeth Waddill). On board were Sissy Coffin, Paige and StephenAndrews, Pat Avery, David Cargill, Susan and Tim Byrom, Rob Clark, Sandra Clark, Tammy and Scott Crutchfield, Kerris and Shaheen Farah, Katherine and Bill Fouts, Karen and Mike Fuljenz, Harriet Garth, Lee Ann and Terry Garth, Mary Jane Garth, Barbara and Bob Quinn, Ashley and Tab Bryan, Natalie and S.L. Greenberg, Gina and Dean Halbert, Kathé and Jim Hendricks, Melanie Dishman, Liz and Charles Howell, Aggie and Young In, Gillian and Will Jenkins, Tam and Tom Kiehnoff, Keely and Craig Kinsel, Teri and Glen Morgan, Nell and Terry Morris, Laurie and Curtis Leister, Shirley and Hal Laine, Marisand Jim Mehaffy, Jeff McManus, Elizabeth and John Miller, Camille and Chris Ohmstede, Mandy and Jeff Oliverio, Ellen and Danny Phelanto name a few passengers. After dinner the guests hit the dance floor to the sounds of the band 80 Proof. Getting down to the terrific tunes were Nancy McGrade, Susanand Jordan Reese, Stephanie and Bill Offill, Jill and Kevin Roy, Kim and Roy Steinhagen, Eric Meadows, Shelly Vitanza, Russ Waddill, Kim and David Willard and too many more to mention. Others gathered in the “pool hall” (really the museum’s lecture hall) to watch Manes, an avid pool shark, take on guests in a game of 8-ball. Winners Terry Garth and KelliManess took home one of the artist’s prints for beating him. The clever and elegant evening that raised the needed funds for AMSET to continue with its education training for the youth of our town!

A sparkling season begins … The Symphony of Southeast Texas kicked off its milestone 60th season last Thursday with a get together at Bistro LeMonde. Season ticket holders gathered ‘round to enjoy the brass quintet, made up of symphony musicians and Lamar students, and talk up the season, which includes an added holiday concert. Spotted chatting and enjoying the music were symphony executive director Craig Escamilla and wife Laura, Ivy Pate, Judy and JamesBlack, Betsy Hines, Jeanette and Steve Forman, Rusty Chimeno, Dean Terrebonne, Mary Jane and Bill Benning, Carlo Busceme, Pat Avery, Danita Fierce, Sally Bundy, Henry Venta, Russ Schultz, Art Geers and many more. The symphony’s first concert takes place Saturday, Sept. 15, at 7:30 p.m. in the Julie Rogers Theatre. Tickets are still available by calling (409) 892-2257.

B-day gathering … Rocky Chase hosted a small neighbors gathering to celebrate the birthday of his wife, Margi Chase. A few neighboring pals Anne and BoydWells, GeraldFarha, Marilyn and Tom Bell and Vivian and JerryTodd made their way to the top of the Beaumont Tower to watch the sun set and enjoy the city night lights.

Storkmarketing … Kim and DadePhelan, along with older brothers Ford and Mack, welcomed their latest family addition John Henry “Hank” Phelan. Baby brother weighed in at 8 pounds at 20 inches long. Congrats!